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The power and insight of collective minds. Well-done. Can you re-convene to evaluate steps taken to preserve independent journalism? Is there a college of journalism student who can survey the state or country and report back to this group? Can you expand the group to include prospective journalists, while you are it? Thanks Julie--this was your potluck recipe for moving forward, too.

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Ralph, I have an idea I'm working on. Stay tuned.

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Thanks! We did have young, aspiring journalists in the audience, which we all thought to be a good sign. There is much to be thought through and done on this topic. For sure. Love your input as a former legislator.

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and as a former public official, Julie pointed out how I put my foot in my mouth, without first determining the facts. thank you ..and the young journalists..

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Not at all! Your comments are right on.

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Thanks for the report. I was unable to attend and hated missing it.

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Apr 6, 2022Liked by Julie Gammack

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Delivered online most mornings it could not be more conveniently available.

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Ms Hunter writes, “The loss of independent news organizations threatens democracy and community cohesion, removing watchdogs on the powerful and eliminating a source of reliable news about the shared interests that bind a community.” Who will be the “watchdogs on the powerful” if not the opinion writers who follow the issues of the day and hold those who are making them accountable. They are the pros in this game. Without them, the Register will just become even more of a Shop Now! newspaper than it already is. The opinion section is the most important part of a newspaper. Sorry to hear Ms Hunter has decided to dispense with most of it. Is she afraid of controversy? I suppose that does hurt profits.

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On target: when journalists and the accountability they bring to the news fail, our democracy fails. People cannot make wise decisions about who they vote for, when they lack accurate information about the issues that affect their families.

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Wondering if you or other panelists have considered and discussed the potential impact of The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (H.R. 1735 / S. 673). It's drawing fire from a variety of observers here in the States and abroad. Here's one example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iKcd-ItB90 Thanks.

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Michael, we didn’t have time. Of course, this topic deserves a lot of time, attention, care, and public/private collaboration.

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Apr 6, 2022Liked by Julie Gammack

I would agree with you regarding the need for attention to the legislation, especially from the perspective of small and independent newspapers and other news and content providers that are, at best, unlikely to be covered by or benefit from the JCPA.

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Apr 5, 2022Liked by Julie Gammack

Thank you for writing this column, Julie. This is an important topic for discussion that needs to bubble to the top. I am going to use your links to subscribe to every single one of these papers and newsletters that I don't already get in my inbox. Thank you.

And.....Ronald J Glump - brilliant!!

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Well, you and Larry are as high up as it gets! Wouldn’t it be fun!

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I think so! I can't wait to take a look at my inbox tomorrow!!

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